A WORLD-CLASS female bodybuilder who was crowned Miss UK has died aged just 43.

Mum-of-two Elaine Thorpe, from Ingleby Barwick, racked up trophies at bodybuilding world championships and won prestigious national competitions.

On Wednesday she was admitted to James Cook University Hospital.

But doctors were unable to save her and she died there the same day.

Her body was identified by husband, Richard, 44, and an inquest was opened at Teesside Coroner’s Court yesterday.

The community midwife who worked at James Cook University Hospital, had two young sons, Daniel and Christopher.

Four years ago she was named Miss UK at the World Amateur Bodybuilding Association’s contest in Lancashire.

She also competed in the English Federation of Bodybuilding Championships in Warrington.

And just weeks later, she came second in the world championships.

Mrs Thorpe pitched herself against bodybuilders from all over the world, including New Zealand, France, Brazil and Germany and her success was reported by the Gazette.

At the time of her Miss UK success she trained at Bill Boyd’s Gym in Stockton and stuck to a specialist high protein diet while training. She then trained five times a week for 45 minutes, did an aerobic workout every morning and shunned sweets, biscuits, cakes and milk.

The hearing was adjourned for further inquiries and a full inquest will take place at a later date.